Door and wall suspended caddy for supporting embroidery stabilizer rolls

ABSTRACT

A suspendable caddy for supporting a plurality of individual roll materials. The caddy includes at least one planar sheet exhibiting a rectangular shape, from a top edge of which extends at least one hook. A plurality of widthwise extending sleeves are secured to vertically spaced surface locations of each sheet and within which is inserted the roll material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/300,554 filed on Feb. 2, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a mat-like and suspendable article incorporating a plurality of horizontal supported and, typically, clear plastic tubes. The tubes (or sleeves) are sewn or otherwise secured to the mat backing and, upon being suspended from a door, wall or other elevated location, provide easy access to an embroidery machining operation and in which it is desirable for an operator to have quick and visual access to any number of differently colored/configured rolls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is documented with examples of vertical surface suspended article containing supports. An objective heretofore unmet by the prior art is the incorporation of widthwise extending sleeves secured to a surface of a suspendable sheet or layer, such as for the purpose of supporting an inserted roll material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a suspendable caddy for supporting a plurality of individual roll materials and such as which can be easily supported upon a top edge of a door or other suitable vertically elevated location. The caddy includes at least one planar sheet exhibiting a rectangular shape, from a top edge of which extends at least one hook. A plurality of widthwise extending sleeves are secured to vertically spaced surface locations of each sheet and within which is inserted the roll material.

Additional features include a pair of planar sheets connected along a common top suspending edge and which are each constructed of any flexible, semi-rigid or rigid construction. A stiffener element can also be incorporated into the top edge of the sheet.

The plurality of sleeves can further be provided as plasticized tubes, open at either or both ends and which can exhibit any degree of transparency or translucency in order to provide easy viewing of the contents held within. It is further envisioned that the sleeves can be configured so as to be partially or completely sealed until accessed by a horizontally configured zipper disposed in the sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective of a caddy according to one embodiment of the invention in suspended engagement with a door via a plurality of top edge extending hooks;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the caddy in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of a corner of the suspendable caddy in FIG. 1 and illustrating upper edge extending perimeter stiffeners in combination with top door edge engaging/supporting hooks;

FIG. 4 is another illustration showing affixable labels in use with the receiving tubes/sleeves and for identifying specific stabilizing rolls;

FIG. 5 is a succeeding view to FIG. 4 and illustrating a manner of installing a selected embroidery roll through an open looped side of the tube;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a two-sided caddy according to another embodiment and which is suspended from a floor supported rack; and

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective illustration of a further variant in which any number of the individual sleeves are enclosed on their sides, with access provided by a zippered opening configured horizontally along an upper edge of each sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the various illustrations, and in particular initially to FIGS. 1-5, the present invention discloses a caddy, generally depicted at 10 in FIG. 1, for supporting a number of individual embroidery rolls (see as exemplary shown by smaller rolls at 2 and 4 and individual larger roll 5 in FIG. 1), such as which are utilized in an embroidery machining operation. As further shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2, the caddy includes either one or a pair of mat-like and suspendable materials 12 and which, such as is illustrated, exhibit a generally rectangular shaped sheet or layer.

The planar shaped sheet or layer 12, such as exhibiting a rectangular shape, can theoretically further includes any type of rigid, semi-rigid or flexible material (such as a cloth or polyester mat or, in the instance of more rigid constructed layers, a polymeric material or composite). In any instance, the layer 12 is suitable for supporting a plurality of horizontally supported tubes/sleeves 14, 16, 18, et seq., which are sewn, glued, heat staked or otherwise adhesively (including mechanically and chemically) secured to an outward face of a given layer 12.

The present inventions further contemplate the formation of the sheets or layers, with surface configured inserting sleeves or tubes integrally defined (this such as by injection molding a single piece assembly using a suitable die or mold). In the instance of a flexible, foldable or semi-rigid backing layer 12, one or more top edge extending stiffeners (see at 20 and 22) are provided for preventing sagging or uneven hanging such as in particular along the top edge of the layers 12. It is also envisioned that designing a dual sheet roll supporting arrangement (or a single sheet with opposite disposed sleeves) can establish counterbalancing support for the plurality of rolls.

In the furthering instance of the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of backing layers 12 can be provided, and between which are engaged interconnecting hangers (or hooks) 24, each of these being configured in spatially desired fashion for supporting over a top edge 6 of a door 8 (such as leading into a sewing room). It is understood that the term “hook” for purposes of the present description is intended broadly to encompass any type of suspending or supporting article not limited to the bracket like and “U” shaped elements depicted in exploded fashion in FIG. 2, as well as any other suitably configured elements which operate to suspend the planar sheet. As further shown, the caddy 10 can be configured in one non-limiting variant so that a single sheet 12 overlays a front surface of the door 8, with the “U” shaped supporting hooks/brackets providing necessary engagement along a top edge 6 of a door 8.

In a further variant, front and back sheets (the rear sheet 12 being hidden from view in the operative view of FIG. 1) are supported upon the front and rear surfaces of the door 8 in interconnecting fashion via the top door edge supporting hooks/hangers 24 which, as shown, again each exhibit a generally “U” shape with a central top door edge supporting surface and opposite extending and angled engaging locations (see in particular the enlarged view of FIG. 3) which are insertable through slits or apertures (at 25 and 27 in FIG. 2) associated with both of first and second sheets 12 and associated stiffeners 20 and 22. It is further envisioned that the caddy 10 can be provided with dual sided layers 12, one of which being capable of removed in the instance in which it is only desired to overlay only one side of the door. It is also envisioned in further non-limited variants that one of the backing layers 12 can exhibit a flat and counterweighted sheet (without horizontally supported sleeves) or that a dual sided single sheet or layer, such as constructed of a semi or fully rigid material, can be suspended from an open interior or open doorway location.

The tubes (or sleeves) 14, 16, 18, et seq. as shown can extend in vertically spaced apart fashion such that a single tube extends a substantially width of the sheet 12. Alternatively, the tubes can be further subdivided or otherwise modified in dimension or diameter. The tubes further include any of a clear/fully transparent, partially transparent and/or translucent construction, such as which the individual color of the stabilizer rolls 2 and 4 supported within is easily visible.

As is further depicted in FIG. 2, the sleeves can be divided into separate subsections, see as illustrated by individual section including sleeves 14′ and 16′ which can be adhesively or otherwise secured to the surface of the backing or support layer 12. As further shown in FIG. 4, another illustration is provided showing affixable labels 26 in use with the receiving tubes/sleeves and for identifying specific stabilizing rolls which may have been pre-inserted within a given sleeve. FIG. 5 is a succeeding view to FIG. 4 and illustrating a manner of installing a selected embroidery roll, such as previously shown at 5, through an open looped side of an associated tube or sleeve 14. It is understood that the sleeves 14 can be open at either or both of opposite ends.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an illustration is generally shown at 28 of another variant of two-sided caddy according to another embodiment, and which is suspended from a floor supported rack or stand 30. As with the previously disclosed variant, the caddy exhibits a central supporting sheet or layer (this depicted at 32 in central vertical extending fashion along an open interior established by the support stand 30 and which enables first and second opposite facing pluralities of sleeves/rolls 34, 36, 38, et seq. and 40, 42, 44, et seq., to be accessible from opposite surfaces of the underlying support layer 32. Also shown at 46 is an upper edge stiffener which can function similar to that disclosed at 20 and 22 in FIG. 1. As previously described, the caddy design 28 can also be suspended from an open interior and/or open door jamb location and without the requirement of the vertically supported rack or stand 30.

Finally, and with reference to FIG. 7, a partial perspective illustration is shown of a further variant of sleeve design (which is capable of being incorporated into any of the variants previously described) and in which any number of the individual sleeves 48, 50, et seq., are enclosed on their sides, with access provided by a zipper 52 defined along an extending location of the sleeve. In this illustrated variant, the zipper is configured horizontally along an upper accessible location of each sleeve, however it is envisioned that a vertically extending zipper, or other suitable reclosable opening, can also be integrated into the sleeve design in order to hold or support any desired article.

In this fashion, each sleeve can establish a sealed and protected environment for holding a given stabilizer roll (or other suitable sewing or related article not limited to fabric, yarn or other material which is desired to be stored or catalogued in the fashion shown) and as an alternative to the quick access provided by the open ended configuration of the sleeves shown in FIG. 1. It is also envisioned that the use of zippered or other suitable reclosable fasteners can assist in providing for secure transport of the roll materials.

Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. Specifically, it is further envisioned that the plurality of sleeves can be reconfigured such that they extend in vertically spaced fashion, such as in row and column, and in contrast to that depicted in the illustrations, this further contemplating enclosing a bottom of each sleeve to support each deposited roll article, while permitting withdrawal from a top location of the associated sleeves. 

1. A suspendable caddy for supporting a plurality of individual roll materials, comprising: a planar sheet; at least one hook extending from a top edge of said sheet; and at least one widthwise extending sleeve disposed upon a surface of said sheet and within which is inserted the roll material.
 2. The invention as described in claim 1, said planar sheet further comprising a rectangular shape having any of a flexible, semi-rigid or rigid construction.
 3. The invention as described in claim 2, further comprising a pair of planar sheets connected to opposite ends of said hooks.
 4. The invention as described in claim 1, further comprising a stiffening element secured along an upper edge of said sheet.
 5. The invention as described in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sleeves each exhibiting a transparent plastic construction.
 6. The invention as described in claim 5, each of said sleeves exhibiting an open side.
 7. The invention as described in claim 5, each of said sleeves further comprising a horizontally configured zipper access.
 8. A suspendable caddy for supporting a plurality of individual roll materials, comprising: at least one planar sheet; at least one hook extending from a top edge of said sheet and adapted to engage an elevated location; and a plurality of extending sleeves configured upon a surface of said sheet and within which are inserted the roll materials.
 9. The invention as described in claim 8, said planar sheet further comprising a rectangular shape having any of a flexible, semi-rigid or rigid construction.
 10. The invention as described in claim 9, further comprising a pair of planar sheets connected to opposite ends of said hooks.
 11. The invention as described in claim 8, further comprising a stiffening element secured along an upper edge of said sheet.
 12. The invention as described in claim 8, further comprising said sleeves each exhibiting a transparent plastic construction.
 13. The invention as described in claim 8, said sleeves having a specified shape and size and exhibiting an open end.
 14. The invention as described in claim 8, each of said sleeves further comprising a horizontally configured zipper access.
 15. The invention as described in claim 8, further comprising said sleeves being divided into separate subsections individually secured to said sheet.
 16. A suspendable caddy for supporting a plurality of individual roll materials, comprising: a planar sheet exhibiting a rectangular shape and exhibiting any of a flexible, semi-rigid or rigid construction; at least one hook extending from a top edge of said sheet and adapted to engage an elevated location; a stiffening element secured along an upper edge of said sheet; and a plurality of sleeves configured upon at least one surface of said sheet and within which are inserted the roll materials.
 17. The invention as described in claim 16, further comprising a pair of planar sheets connected to opposite ends of said hooks.
 18. The invention as described in claim 16, each of said sleeves further comprising a configured zipper access.
 19. The invention as described in claim 16, further comprising said sleeves being divided into separate subsections individually secured to said sheet.
 20. The invention as described in claim 16, further comprising said sleeves each exhibiting a transparent plastic construction. 